Howard League unit aims to gain justice for minors in prison

Two solicitors have begun work on achieving justice for children in prison after the Howard League for Penal Reform set up an in-house legal department with the aim of addressing loopholes in the law.

The new unit, currently comprised of part-time solicitors Fran Russell - also assistant director of the charity - and Mike Grewcock, has made its first challenge a judicial review of the Home Office for failing to apply the 1989 Children Act to the 2,500 minors in prison.

The league plans to take on a full-time solicitor this summer, when Mr Grewcock leaves.

It argues that children need protection from practices such as physical restraint and solitary confinement.

The team is now applying for a contract from the Legal Services Commission to fund further test cases and other case work.

It has also set up two telephone helplines for children and their advisers after it was inundated with queries about children's rights.

Paula Rohan